OUTShine Film Fest-April 17-May 4
By Rachel Galvin
The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival spring edition is here with more than 60 films overall from all over the world.
The festivities begin with the film “On Swift Horses” on April 17 at 7 p.m. at Regal Cinemas South Beach (1120 Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach) and end with “Four Mothers” on April 27 at Savor Cinema in Ft. Lauderdale, and there are plenty of films to see in between. And don’t forget the parties! This event yearly is always so much fun. This is the 43rd year for the fest. It travels from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, allowing people from all over a chance to see what they have this year.
Checkout the fun flashback cult classic “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” at The Well (1023 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale) on April 27 at 12:30 p.m. along with a drag brunch. Beatles fans will love “Midas Man” on April 26 at The Gateway, 1820 E. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale. The Centerpiece Film, “Accidental Friends,” takes place in Dania Beach April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Regal Dania Pointe (128 Sunset Dr.) Those who want to know what is coming next will love the sneak peek of the trailer for “Our Family Pride,” during the closing night event. There are films with Latin flair, such as “Fine Young Men,” on April 18 at 7:15 p.m. at Regal Cinemas South Beach. And ladies get plenty of attention too. Check out the Ladies Spotlight on April 19 with the film “Sisters” at Regal South Beach at 7 p.m. Those who like short films will enjoy the South Florida Shorts Showcase at O Cinema South Beach (1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach) on April 23 at 7: 30 p.m. with a special Cocktails & Cinema reception just before. This is just a glimpse at all of the films and parties happening throughout the fest. There are so many!
“Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to share the cinematic stories, stars and directors whose creative visions urge us to embrace our differences and foster a sense of unity and belonging,” said Joe Bilancio, director of programming, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. “We have meticulously curated a glowing roster of award-winning LGBTQ+ films, and we’re thrilled to host several premieres that offer thought-provoking viewpoints, dramatic emotional escapes, eye-opening documentaries and situational comedies that promote tolerance, equality, understanding and empathy.”
Can’t make it to the fest? They also have films available online from April 28 to May 4. For more information on the fest and to get tickets, visit outshinefilm.com.
Film Review: “Magic Hour”
Miriam Shor, who plays Harriet, and Sendhil Ramamurthy, who plays one of her unexpected allies, Hank, in “Magic Hour.
By Rachel Galvin
Harriet Peterson manages to keep a smile on her face while her world begins to slowly close in on her. Optimistic to a fault, and the type to always look at the bright side of life while being pushed from all sides, Peterson harbors an inner secret. Any outward joy she projects is in sharp contrast to the inner despair she does not know is growing, fed by constant challenges she encounters slicing away at her stability, in a thousand cuts.
On the surface, she seems oblivious to the resentments from people all around her, so when the angst in them builds causing them to take action, she is taken completely by surprise. Everything she has known is about to be taken away, leaving her a shell of a woman.
For one, the rift between Harriet and her daughter is growing with each passing day, as her daughter begins resenting her mother for what appears to be a lack of confidence in her dream to be an actress. The more the daughter feels neglected, the more she turns to her dad, who is having an affair, something that also comes out of left field to Harriet. The daughter does not realize that it is not her career choice her mother is upset about, but the loss of her own forgotten dreams.
As the crevices between Harriet and her family grow larger, Harriet boils over like a teapot, spilling her rage toward everyone around her, including her boss, who also treats her like a doormat. The anger she feels is not only toward these issues, although they would be enough, but also due to that dream she deferred — her deep desire to follow her passion and go back to film school and finish what she started.
That simmering pot eventually explodes. Harriet is forced to take bold action. But she is not bold enough to reveal everything she is doing to certain people around her, leaving her to lead a double life — adding to the excitement of the moment, but also the angst.
But going back to school is not that easy. Things have changed; she is older and wiser now, and her peers are now much younger. The people she is forced to work with do not necessarily have her best interests in mind. And she is forced to really push herself out of her comfort zone even more to battle back and fight for what she believes in, to fight for her dream and make it come true no matter the consequences. But she does find unexpected allies along the way as she works to get back what she has lost. The struggle to regain her identity again is quite a journey.
Director Jacqueline Christy delivers a powerful film. Beautifully shot with excellent acting, the film is both relatable yet more dramatic than real life. Actress Miriam Shor, who plays Harriet, is everything in this role — vulnerable, funny, heartbreaking, tragic, wise, naive … Shor is perhaps best for her role as Diana Trout in the TV show “Younger,” in which she plays an over-the-top man hungry demanding boss at a publishing company. Her role in this film as Harriet softens her considerably and presents a very deep and three-dimensional human being. There is so much meat to the character that it gives Shor much to chew on and really showcases her range as an actress, something that is sure to be a steppingstone to more nuanced roles and performances for her in the future. All actors do well in this film, but Shor stands out far above the rest.
This multi-layered film takes the viewer a bit through the ringer, feeling every bit of the ups and downs of Harriet’s hopes and heartaches, leaving them spent so that when the unexpected twists occur at the end, it is even more emotional. Anyone that is misunderstood for following their passion in life will especially relate to Harriet. (Honestly, this reporter could not stop bawling). For anyone in that category, this is a must-watch, and even those who might not personally relate to the yearning for a dream will really enjoy this film, which is a tour de force for Shor and a great accomplishment for the whole cast and crew.
The film will be showing for free on Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at Mayfair House Hotel and Gardens in Miami as part of the Miami Film Festival. Both Shor and Christy will be in attendance at the post film Q&A. Due to popular demand, there has been a second festival screening added on Sunday, April 13 at 2:30 p.m. at Silverspot Miami. Reserve your seat at miamifilmfestival.com.
Swedefest Returns
If you are a fan of pure silliness, Swedefest is sure to be up your alley. The popular film festival that showcases bad films made by good people has returned. This year, the fest, which is presented by The Palm Beach Film Society, will be held March 28 at 7 p.m. at Lake Worth Playhouse (713 Lake Avenue).
The films are remakes of mainstream movies. The idea started out following the Jack Black film “Be Kind Rewind” in 2008. The Swedefest began in Fresno, California and grew from there. It has been in existence in Palm Beach for 10 years.
What to expect at the event? Besides very silly short films, crazy unexpected props might show up on the red carpet. There are sure to be silly antics on stage, and definitely silly awards (like best use of toilet paper). Who knows what craziness will ensue! It is also always a family-friendly event, so films are very PG.
This year’s list of “bad films by good people” includes new submissions: “Jurassic Park,” “Weekend at Bernie’s,” “Jay and Silent Bob,” (which this reporter is in!) “12 Monkeys,” and “Rocky,” along with top favorite remakes “Aliens,” “Twister,” “E.T.,” “Titanic,” “Hunger Games,” “Ghost,” “The Fast & the Furious,” “The Thing,” “Momento,” “Goodfellas,” “Rambo,” “Goonies,” “Back to the Future,” “Basic Instinct,” “Willy Wonka,” and more creatively planned disasters by complete amatures of all ages.
This event is also a kickoff of the 12th Annual L-Dub Film Festival, which features professional shorts and feature films. Screenings for the L-Dub run Saturday and Sunday at the Lake Worth Playhouse’s Stonzek Theater. For tickets and film line-up, visit lakeworthplayhouse.org.
The movies start playing at 7 p.m., but the red carpet starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and an afterparty with a cash bar is included with admission. Visit lakeworthplayhouse.org for tickets.
Examples of some past “swedes” can be found at vimeo.com/swedefestpalmbeach.
For general information & sponsorship opportunities
CALL Elizabeth Dashiell, 561.543.8276
EMAIL elizabeth@dashiellcommunications.com
PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS:
Film Review: “Midas Man”
By Rachel Galvin
You say you want a revolution? Well, you know, we all want to change the world…
And in 1962, an elegant and refined businessman did just that. He took a look at some ragtag hoodlums trying to be musicians, snatched them up from the caverns where they were causing musical mischief and took them on a trip they could never expect. Those four talented upstarts were called The Beatles and the man who shaped them into the phenomenon they would become was Brian Epstein, also known by some as “the fifth Beatle.”
The movie “Midas Man,” directed by Joe Stephenson, tells the story of how Epstein went from window dressing in his father’s furniture store to becoming a manager of a band that changed music forever. It was his love of music that led him to add records to his dad’s store, which became a concept unto itself and later would lead to his career in management. Unsure of the business at first, Epstein had the confidence and insight to persevere. His instincts helped to mold the four irreverent ruffians into a more sophisticated brand for a mainstream audience.
The movie starts with the beginning of his yearning for more in his life and builds from there, showing the challenges along the way as he takes on new clients, and Liverpool lads’ wry sense of humor. The actors who play the boy band members — Jonah Lees (John), Blake Richardson (Paul), Leo Harvey-Elledge (George), 1st drummer Adam Lawrence (Paul Best) and his replacement, Ringo (Campbell Wallace) — resemble them in physicality and action quite completely. Jay Leno has a surprising role as Ed Sullivan. Although he has a similar stature, he does not look like Sullivan, but it is nice to see him in this cameo. Eddie Izzard also makes a cameo.
Jacob Fortune Lloyd, who plays Epstein, is fun to watch, a perfect lead. He narrates in addition to being within the scenes, breaking the fourth wall. They also use green screen with segmented portions of the screen to show different activities all going on at once behind him as he moves forward, to showcase the passage of time while The Beatles are on tour. This and other interesting cinematic devices make the film more engaging. The approach feels modern.
Epstein is a multilayered character, with his Jewish mother (Emily Watson) worrying about him and his strict father (Eddie Marsan) seeming to disapprove of his life choices. He also is gay, which proves very difficult for him, since, at that time, it was illegal, causing him to live in the shadows. He not only tries to hide his proclivities from the world, but his secret shame is buried under handfuls of pills, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
For those who don’t know the story, it proves quite eye-opening, and for those who do, they are sure to be engaged by the way in which it is told. Want to dive into this biopic about the Fab Four? It will be opening March 21 at Movies of Delray and Movies of Lake Worth.
FLOW Film Festival Starts This Weekend
Tickets are selling fast for FLOW Film Festival’s Season 6. The festival runs February 27 through March 3. This ambitious creative endeavor featuring local filmmakers brings highly anticipated attention to the Fort Lauderdale film community.
The events during the festival attract politicians, dignitaries and international royalty. Past guests include Lady Didi Wong, Channel 10 News anchor Calvin Hughes, Queen Karen Hendrickson of Ghana, and The Honorable George Hamilton, Consulate General. Celebrities are also abundant as they walk the red carpet. There are live performances at a variety of chic, local venues.
“Excellent communication and friendly hospitality: what more could we want from organizing a festival? Thanks a lot for this exciting experience,” said Vittorio Caratozzolo, Italian filmmaker and professor.
“It was the best experience; all the staff did an amazing job. It was such a fun and engaging film festival, I learned so much from their team, it was really empowering, and a true honor to be a part of. Definitely recommend!” said Esther Farin, award-winning director.
“Great festival for female filmmakers, and in general for indie filmmakers. A truly international mix of great projects from around the world,” shared Eha Urbsalu, filmmaker and beauty queen.
“You are amazing, Kimberly Douglas from FLOW Film Festival and Market … Thank you from my heart for putting on such an awesome and life changing event! I am so thankful to God for you,” said Amy Barbera, award-winning singer.
“We had such a good time at this festival! It is small but growing quickly due to their enthusiasm and ambition. Kimberly and her team were amazing hosts and made the whole event very special. It was a close, intimate event and a great opportunity to meet with other filmmakers. Put this one on your list!” added Malcolm Ellis, Cayman Islands executive producer
Flow Film Festival is produced by Kimberly Douglas. Opening Night Sponsor is The Easton Rooftop at Courtyard Mariott, Red Carpet Sponsor is SCL Events, Gala Fashion Show Sponsor is Bella Fashion Designs, Film Screening Sponsor is Cinema Paradiso Hollywood, Community Masterclass Sponsor is The World Aids Museum at ArtServ, and Awards Gala Sponsor is Alma’s Steakhouse at Gulfstream Racetrack.
FLOW Film Festival kicks off its 2024-25 season of powerful films focusing on the nature of families the dynamics of abuse. Films include the World Premiere of “Brother’s Horn,” “Best Kept Shut,” “Back to Me,” “Art as Hope,” “Tormented,” “Jupiter” and “Clan Woman,” among others. They will be available online at EntertainmentOxygen.com and at The FLOW South Florida Film Showcase, to be held at Cinema Paradiso Hollywood on February 28.
Individual day passes start at $20. A special Women’s Awards Night at Alma’s Steakhouse, Gulfstream will take place on March 2. The show runs for two hours and 40 minutes and includes a fashion extravaganza by Bella Fashion Designs as well as live performances from local artists, with DJ Sergio spinning the night away.
FLOW Film Festival will also be offering two All Access Pass options this season. The All-Access Pass ($100) offers access to all events and screenings with a complimentary beverage at each. The All-Access VIP Pass ($150) offers access to all events and screenings with 2 complimentary beverages at each and seating with the founder, Kimberly Douglas . Discounts are available for groups.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.flowffm.com, call 424-222-3370 or email info@flowffm.com.
Follow FLOW Film Festival on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flowfilmfestivalmarket and on Instagram at @flowfilmfestivalmarket.
Visit Lauderdale Science Festival Returns March 8
The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival is back and better than ever. On Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., families can dive into a full day of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) excitement at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale. Best of all? It’s completely free!
This event is a perfect opportunity for young minds to unleash their creativity and learn about science. It also includes a lot of fun! The event kicks off with President & CEO of MODS, Joe Cox, getting SLIMED, all in the name of science. But it expands from there throughout the museum and Esplanade Park, featuring nationally renowned STEM presenters, gravity-defying acrobatics and interactive challenges. Highlights include:
- Spheres Bubble Show – A mind-blowing fusion of art, science and magic! Created by Blaise Ryndes, the bubble phenom from “America’s Got Talent” Season 13, this Cirque Du Soleil-style performance transforms simple bubble science into a dazzling display of visuals and comedic charm.
- WeFlip Science Acrobats – Physics in motion! What started in a circus-renovated garage has soared to new heights, amazing audiences at Disney and beyond. WeFlip Entertainment is known for its gravity-defying stunts and thrilling acrobatics, all showcasing Newton’s Second Law in action! Experience the flips, stacks and daring feats that make them a must-see experience!
- It’s Not Magic, It’s Science – Starring Jay Flores, global STEM ambassador, PBS’s “Make48” host and “American Ninja Warrior” star, this show blends mind-bending illusions with real science to spark curiosity in all ages. As a Discovery Education Mystery Science Guide, Flores has inspired millions of students by answering fun STEM questions. Witness the magic of science in this eye-opening, interactive experience!
Families can get creative together, including learning binary code and creating a bracelet with their initials encoded in black and white beads. They can sharpen their math skills with a DIY paper game or experiment with pressure and buoyancy through Cartesian divers, and enjoy other opportunities to tinker and use tools. In addition, kids can learn about STEM careers through hands-on activities with CTS Engines, LEGO® Build the Change, Broward MPO, Blue Frontier and more.
There will be live science demonstrations, such as the Oobleck Run. Participants can run across a pool of non-Newtonian fluid and explore the surprising science of solid-liquid hybrids. And kids will be wowed by the Liquid Nitrogen Show.
Guests can participate in hourly challenges to win prizes like MAGNA-TILES® Dino XL sets and Squishmallows, including:
- Pressing Plaque – Use a stent to clear plaque buildup and understand its impact on blood flow.
- Antigen Elimination – Remove as many pathogens as possible in 20 seconds using a magnetic fishing line.
- Bristle Bots – Build a tiny vibrating robot and watch it scuttle around.
- Balloon Hover Boards – Engineer a hover board with balloons and learn about air pressure.
“We are thrilled to host the return of the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival, an awe-inspiring celebration of STEM that will now be an annual cornerstone event for Broward County,” said Joseph P. Cox, president & CEO of MODS. “Science festivals unite communities, ignite curiosity and showcase South Florida’s thriving STEM industries. By connecting young minds with industry leaders, we hope to inspire future innovators and drive economic and educational growth in our region.”
“The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival is an event that represents our commitment to innovation and education in Greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Stacy Ritter, president & CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “By supporting this festival, we not only celebrate the wonders of science but also position our destination as a place for discovery, creativity and intellectual growth.”
Kids can grab a Festival Passport and collect stamps at activity stations and exhibits throughout MODS and Esplanade Park for a chance to win prizes like 4Ocean Bracelets, LEGO® kits and more!
Parents might especially be interested in some of the guest speakers. At the Innovation Showcase, local industries and universities highlight cutting-edge research shaping our community. At the Science Cafés, families can connect with leading STEM professionals and explore the latest discoveries.
Featured speakers include:
- Dr. Laura Fontenas, assistant professor of biological sciences at Florida Atlantic University, presenting groundbreaking neurobiology research on spinal injury repair.
- Dr. Afeefa Abdool-Ghany, senior scientist at Brizaga, discussing the origins of South Florida’s drinking water, focusing on the region’s aquifers and the importance of protecting them from pollution.
- Amaka Amalu, PE, founder of Tech Girl Power, empowering young girls in STEM from underserved backgrounds.
- Additional speakers from top research institutions and industries, sharing cutting-edge insights into science, technology and innovation.
The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival is sponsored by Visit Lauderdale (Title Sponsor); Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan (Platinum Sponsor); Amazon, Blue Frontier, MacGillivray Freeman Educational Foundation, UKG (Gold Sponsors); Centuric Technologies, Florida Philanthropic Network, Publix Super Markets Charities, R-Squared Charitable Fund, Save Our Seas Foundation (Silver Sponsors); Broward MPO, CTS Engines, M&T Bank (Copper Sponsors); ABA Centers of Florida, McGriff (Titanium Sponsors); 4Oceans Foundation, Doubletime Digital, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, IKEA Sunrise, Jazwares, JetBlue, MAGNA-Tiles®, Xpress Entertainment (In-Kind Sponsors).
More Fun at MODS
Guests will enjoy free access to MODS’ world-class, educational and inspiring exhibits that shape our world and fuel innovation, including the new “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit,” presented locally by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. Children will unravel the secrets of world-famous heroes in this new exhibit that brings to life the acclaimed PBS KIDS® TV series, “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum,” which follows kid adventurers Xavier Riddle, his little sister Yadina and best friend Brad as they tackle everyday problems by doing something extraordinary: traveling back in time to learn from real-life inspirational figures when they were kids. The PBS KIDS® TV series, “Xavier Riddle and The Secret Museum” is based on the highly acclaimed children’s book series “Ordinary People Change the World” by #1 New York Times bestselling author and South Florida resident Brad Meltzer and award-winning letterer and illustrator Chris Eliopoulos. “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit “is a national traveling exhibit created by The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum in collaboration with 9 Story Media Group, Inc.
In addition, they can check out an IMAX film! As part of the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival, the IMAX Film Series Expo, presented by MacGillivray Freeman Educational Foundation, features “Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels,” an awe-inspiring journey into the cutting-edge advancements transforming human health. From bionic limbs to revolutionary gene therapies, this immersive IMAX® experience showcases the future of medicine on the GIANT screen at the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater.
For more information and to reserve tickets, visit mods.org/sciencefest.
IGNITE Broward Returns
By Rachel Galvin
Stepping into Mad Arts in Dania Beach during IGNITE Broward is a surreal experience. This annual art and light festival, running from February 14–23 this year, spans three locations. In addition to Mad Arts, public art displays are also featured at Esplanade Park and Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale, as well as ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood, FL. What makes this event even more amazing is that it’s free and highly interactive.
At Mad Arts, one room gives you the sensation of being in a forest, complete with comfy “rocks” to sit on and the calming sounds of nature. Another room showcases digital seasonal flowers that seem to dissipate, as if the soul of the plant is escaping. A projection displays the latest seasonal plant, and by placing your hand in front of it, you become part of the picture. Many of the art pieces also interact with visitors, changing lighting, sound, or visuals depending on your actions.
One art installation features a mermaid in a body of water, encountering a plastic bag in place of what should be nature — a poignant commentary on everyday pollution. Another projection shows tiny, multi-colored digital figures following each other off a cliff like lemmings, possibly symbolizing how people are often blindly led. These are just a couple of examples that invite reflection.
The majority of the installations incorporate impressive, state-of-the-art technology, such as lasers, holograms, and even quantum physics. The art isn’t just visual but also stimulates sound, light, and even smell.
All these captivating pieces can be found at Mad Arts, but other artworks, such as larger-than-life sculptures made of lights and other media, can be discovered at the other event locations.
To find out more about this family-friendly interactive art event, visit www.ignitebroward.org.
More photos coming soon to the Facebook page for Let’s Talk Magazine.
Step Back in Time at the Renaissance Festival
By Rachel Galvin
Huzzah… The Renaissance Festival is Here
Take a break from current events and step back in time to the Renaissance, courtesy of the popular Renaissance Festival, of course. Held through March 23, this event at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach (401 S. Powerline Rd) is a chance to dress up and bring the whole family for a day of fun. This is the 33rd year for this event, which brings in over 100 performers and over 100 artisans to show off their skills and craft.
Walk through one vendor booth after another selling everything from homemade soaps to period costume, leatherworks, pottery and more. These items are great to add to your collection or give away as gifts. Sit for a spell and take in a show. Watch the Washing Wenches, but don’t get too close or you might end up getting all wet. Learn more about Birds of Prey. Watch some dancers dance a jig or musicians play. Hear the boom of the canons. You might see the queen having a tea party or knights in combat. The joust is always a highlight. Grab a turkey leg or shepherd’s pie, grab a pint and feast your eyes on the festivities. There is always a parade of characters to behold and activities in which to participate. Maybe try your hand at fencing, or archery, or throwing some tomatoes, climbing Jacob’s ladder, kayaking, or just getting lost in the maze.
This event is a great way to step into history and teach children what the time period used to be like in an interactive way. But it is fun for all ages.
Every weekend is a little different with themes and some new entertainment too. Upcoming themes include: Feb 15 & 16: Heartstrings and Heraldry – A Valentine’s Weekend! Feb. 22 & 23: Peg Legs and Polly’s – Part of the Ship, Part of the Crew, March 1 & 2: Marketplace Mayhem – Shopeth ‘til you Dropeth!, March 8 & 9: Gears and Gadgets – The Lost Inventions of DaVinci!, March 15 & 16: Gaelic Legends – Tales of the Blarney Stone! March 22 & 23: Enchanted Extravaganza – The Characters are on the Loose…
Tickets for the day for adults are $37, children 6 to 11 are $15 and under 6 are free. For more information, including ticket info on group rates, season passes VIP and pub crawl, visit the website. It has updated schedules of events every weekend and more details. www.ren-fest.com.
Film Review: “You, Me and Her”
By Rachel Galvin
How many couples reach a certain stage and just have a disconnect? Each find themselves living separate lives and struggling to find harmony. Perhaps, they find, over time, that they have changed, but their partner has not, or maybe they are going in two different directions.
In the movie “You, Me and Her,” married couple Ash (Ritesh Rajan) and Mags (Selina Ringel) struggle to come together. His career is a bit rocky at the moment. He has turned his hobby of weed into a business, while she is in private equity. They both have begun to hide secrets from one another.
But, perhaps a romantic trip to Mexico will do the trick. They leave the baby behind with the nanny and they are on their way. But when they get there, he begins spending most of his time thinking about where to get weed, and she feels restless. When a couple entices them to have a wild time, it is the first step toward leaving their cares behind to pursue something new. Will it bring them together, or tear them apart?
For Mags, it means rediscovering a part of her she had forgotten and maybe means finding a part she did not even know was there. Her blossoming interest in uncovering more of herself leads to a third entering their circle, the suntanned and serene Yoga instructor Angela (Sydney Park) — toppling the apple cart, so to speak, on their somewhat vanilla existence. The idea of a threesome emerges, leaving them anxious and excited for the first time in a long time, and leaving Ash wondering if he ever knew his wife at all.
But making their fantasy come true is not so simple as one thing after another gets in their way. In the process, some unwanted truths get thrown in the mix threatening their very relationship.
This is a fun-to-watch and relatable film to anyone who has had a bit of wild adventure in their life, or who has wanted one. Solid acting and comic moments add to the heart of this comic and dramatic film. The film is directed by Dan Levy Dagerman and written by Ringel. The movie was voted 100% fresh by Rotten Tomatoes!
The film is perfect for Valentines Day as it shows the ups and downs of love, offering a dose of reality, but also hope. It is showing in select theaters beginning February 14. For more information, visit ymhmovie.com.
Theaters:
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale:Silverspot Miami, Regal Oakwood Stm 18, Cinepolis Coconut Grove, Regal South Beach 18
West Palm Beach: Regal Royal Palm Beach, Epic Theatres of Palm Coast, Regency Square 8
Ft Myers/Naples: Spotlight Theatres Venice Luxury 11, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Naples, Regal Belltower Stm 20,
Tampa/St. Petersburg: B&B Wesley Chapel The Grove 16, Regal Park Place 16
Orlando: Epic Lee Vista, Regal Pointe Orlando Stm 20, Epic Theatres W Volusia, Oaks 10, GQT Merritt Square 16,Epic Theatres Mount Dora, Epic Old Mill Playhouse 8, Epic Theatres at Titusville
Gainesville/Ocala: Epic Theatres of Ocala
Breaking Tradition — “Sabbath Queen” Explores Jewish Identity & Societal Rules
By Rachel Galvin
Tradition is the way to keep balanced, according to the popular play and movie “Fiddler on the Roof.” What happens when tradition goes out the window? Anything can happen. This sense of freedom and wild abandon can be a welcome playground to some or chaos and destruction to those who long for stability and order.
The film “Sabbath Queen” spends 21 years following the life of Amichai Lau-Lavie, a descendent of 38 generations of rabbis, whose father escaped the holocaust. His immediate family is all very important in the religion as well.
Everything seems in order until Lau-Lavie disrupts the apple cart, so to speak. The first break from the ordinary is his declaration of being a homosexual. The worst part of this sentence is the idea that he would not continue the line with children.
Instead of living a life of a rabbi filled with family and prayers, he chooses to become an artist, moving to New York in the 1990s and creating his own type of spiritual community. And to pour gas on the fire, he dresses up as a woman. Oy gevalt! So, he has turned into a whole new personality running a very experimental group of artistic and spiritual individuals called Lab Shul. Within it, all are welcome, including those who have different definitions of the divine. He becomes a radical fairy and ordains weddings, but not just any weddings, but, interfaith ones, oy vey–something that is forbidden. The film also explores the role of women in orthodoxy. He ends up doing something else quite radical to help out two women that has an unexpected silver lining.
Lau-Lavie seems fine living in this counterculture and is embraced in his role. Just as he seems comfortable in his choices, tragedy happens — his father dies, and then, he makes a radical choice — to become a rabbi. Although he still is within his community, he now has certain things he is no longer allowed to do, such as dressing as a woman and officiating weddings that are interfaith, much to the chagrin of his congregation. But he still hopes to make some changes to the traditions and religion working from the inside out.
As he finds himself choosing compassion over loyalty to certain political affiliations, he bumps heads with the wrong people, and now finds himself again in conflict with his new rabbinical community. It seems he can’t win no matter where he turns. And so, he is in a new chapter in his life once again.
This film, directed by Sandi DuBowski, is a bit of a roller coaster ride, as Lau-Lavie explores his own inner being and wonder what it means to be a Jew. It leaves the viewer reflective and wondering about their own beliefs on religion, politics and humanity. It is quite engaging.
The film is coming to Florida. Here are the times:
Schedule:
February 4 – February 6, 2025
Savor Cinema, 503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Feb.5 at 5:30 pm
Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 pm Q&A with director Sandi DuBowski follows screening
February 7 – February 10, 2025
Cinema Paradiso, 2008 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33020
Friday, Feb. 7, 7 pm. Q&A with director Sandi DuBowski follows screening
Saturday, Feb. 8, 4:30 pm
Sunday, Feb.9, 2:30 pm. & 7 pm
Monday, Feb. 10 at 4:30 pm
February 9, 2025 Only
Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Sunday, Feb. 9 at 1:15 pm Q&A with director Sandi DuBowski follows screening